Many smart speaker models for 2021 have been launched in the past few weeks by their manufacturers. They improve upon their predecessors and expand the feature set. With the ongoing festive season, individuals may be looking to buy smart speakers for their homes or as gifts. If you are searching for the best smart speakers for 2021, we have got you covered.
What are Smart Speakers?
Before we dive into the best smart speakers for 2021, let’s know a little about them. A smart speaker is an intelligent gadget for the modern home. At its crux, it is a casing with one or multiple built-in speakers. Users can pair devices like smartphones with the speaker and listen to music. Modern smart speakers also have Wi-Fi capability. You may connect them to your home’s wireless network for Internet access. The speaker can play music from streaming platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Users can also access virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri through smart speakers. They may issue various voice commands and control compatible smart devices. It enables them to check the weather, play music, set alarms, or perform other functions supported by the virtual assistant. There is an array of microphones integrated into the smart speaker for recognizing voice commands. They can alternatively be controlled with a smartphone app. A few smart speakers may also have an integrated display and camera for enhancing their functionality, like making video calls. Some smart speakers can act as hubs for controlling various intelligent devices.
When it comes to virtual assistants, Amazon Alexa is the evident pick. It has a comprehensive list of commands, is compatible with more devices, and packs a few extra features. Therefore, choosing a smart speaker with Alexa support will benefit most users. Google Assistant and Siri are the other contenders. Users who use either of these can consider a smart speaker that integrates their preferred virtual assistant.
The Best Smart Speakers 2021: Which One Should You Buy?
Here are some of the best smart speakers for 2021. They come at different price points and have varying features. The supported virtual assistants will also depend on their manufacturer. Users may pick one of these smart speakers according to their budget and requirements.
#1. Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) Smart Speaker with Alexa
Amazon has recently released the 4th generation of Echo Dot, which may be one of the best smart speakers for 2021 in terms of popularity. It is shaped like a ball while the previous generation resembled a puck. The device has improved audio quality with a 1.6” front-firing speaker. While it won’t match the volume levels of expensive gadgets, it is suitable for casual listening. A pair of Echo Dot smart speakers can be used for stereo sound. Users can access Amazon Alexa through voice commands and play music, check the weather, set alarms, control smart devices, or perform other supported tasks. A dedicated mic off button is provided on the 4th gen Echo Dot smart speaker to disconnect microphones and ensure privacy. A single piece costs $29.99 and is undoubtedly one of the best smart speakers for 2021. Another variant with an LED display for time is also available ($39.99). Users who want better audio quality can consider the more expensive 4th gen Echo smart speaker.
#2. Amazon Echo (4th Gen) With Premium Sound, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa
Buyers who use Alexa and want decent audio quality will find Amazon Echo to be the best smart speaker for 2021 in the mid-range. Its shape resembles the cheaper Amazon Echo Dot, but the smart speaker receives a few upgrades. The device has a 3.0” woofer and dual front-firing 0.8” tweeters that deliver better audio quality. They together output crisp and clear vocals with dynamic mids and tight bass.
Amazon Echo comes with an integrated Zigbee hub for connecting to compatible devices. It supports Dolby Audio technology for an audiophilic listening experience. A pair of these smart speakers can be combined for stereo sound. And of course, its Alexa integration provides access to various skills and controls. Amazon Echo (4th Gen) currently costs $69.99, which is below its listed price of $99.99. It will be a suitable choice for most users out of the best smart speakers for 2021.
#3. Sonos One (Gen 2)
Sonos One is a premium option among the best smart speakers for 2021. It is a powerful device with excellent audio quality. There is one tweeter for ensuring high-frequency response clarity and one mid-woofer that delivers crisp mid-frequency vocals and punchy bass. The smart speaker has Amazon Alexa built right in but also supports Google Assistant for hands-free control. Sonos One may be operated using voice commands, the Sonos app for smartphones, capacitive touch controls on its topside, or compatible third-party technologies like Apple AirPlay 2. It utilizes a far-field microphone array and noise cancellation to recognize voice commands. The smart speaker has an Ethernet port in addition to built-in Wi-Fi. Its features make it one of the best smart speakers for 2021. Users can pair two Sonos One smart speakers for stereo sound. They can also be used as rear speakers with a soundbar from Sonos (Playbar, Playbase, or Beam). Buyers will have to spend almost $200 for a Sonos One.
#4. Amazon Echo Studio
Amazon Echo Studio is the current best smart speaker for 2021 that will suit users who prioritize audio quality. The device boasts of five speakers that include a 1” tweeter for crisp highs, three 2.0” drivers for dynamic mids, and a 5.3” woofer for punchy bass. Users can access Alexa through the smart speaker and issue different voice commands to it. They can listen to music from platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, and Tidal. It comes with an integrated Zigbee hub for controlling compatible devices. There is a dedicated button for electronically disconnecting the microphones. Amazon Echo Studio is priced on the higher side at $200, but its superior audio quality makes it worthwhile. While the Google Home Max was a better product in terms of audio quality, it has now been discontinued, earning Amazon Echo Studio a place among the best smart speakers for 2021.
#4. Apple HomePod Mini
Users who are invested in Apple’s ecosystem and primarily use Apple Music will find the Apple HomePod Mini to be the best smart speaker for 2021. It is shaped like a ball and physically resembles the Amazon Echo, albeit with a few differences separating the two. The device has a full-range driver and dual passive radiators that yield good audio quality. You can use a pair of Apple HomePod Minis in tandem for stereo sound.
The Apple HomePod Mini smart speaker for 2021 features Siri integration and enables you to issue commands and control compatible smart devices. While the HomePod Mini looks elegant and surprises with its good audio quality despite its small size, it is quite expensive. Buyers will have to shell out $100 for a single piece. A few similarly-sized smart speakers from other brands are available at half the price. Therefore it may not be the ideal choice for most buyers. However, for Apple product users, it is one of the best smart speakers for 2021. If you want a high-end product, then consider Apple HomePod for $299.
#5. Google Nest Audio
Individuals who primarily rely on Google will find Nest Audio to be the best smart speaker for 2021. It is a versatile device that facilitates an audiophilic experience. The speaker includes a 75 mm woofer for deep bass and a 19 mm tweeter for clear vocals. Its sound will be adequate for up to medium-sized rooms. A pair of Google Nest Audio smart speakers can be combined for stereo sound. The device utilizes three far-field microphones for voice recognition and has a two-stage mic mute switch (hardware) for privacy. There are three capacitive touch controls on the smart speaker. Google Nest Audio supports Android and iOS devices through the Home app. Of course, it has Google Assitant integrated for performing searches and tasks or controlling devices. At $100, Google Nest Audio is one of the best smart speakers for 2021.
#6. Google Nest Mini
Google Nest Mini is a suitable alternative to Echo Dot for users who want an affordable smart speaker for 2021 with Google Assistant. It is a small and lightweight device focusing on functionality over audio quality. The speaker uses a 40mm driver with a design that simulates 360° sound. Its audio quality is sufficient for small spaces. Nest Mini allows access to Google Assistant and comes with Chromecast built into it. There are three far-field microphones for recognizing voice commands easily. Capacitive touch controls are provided to facilitate user interaction. The smart speaker supports multiple Android and iOS devices through the Home app. With a price tag of under $50, Google Nest Mini is a cheaper option among the best smart speakers for 2021. Buyers who prioritize audio quality can upgrade to Google Nest Audio.
#7. Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
Alexa users who want a smart speaker for 2021 with a screen may opt for the upcoming Amazon Echo Show 10. The device has a 10.1-inch HD screen that expands its feature set. It allows users to make video calls, watch movies, listen to music, or access different smart devices such as video doorbells. They may even use it as a digital frame for showcasing their pictures. There is an integrated 13MP camera with auto-framing support along with a pair of 1.0” tweeters and a 3.0” woofer for audio.
Amazon Echo Show 10 smart speaker for 2021 integrates the Alexa virtual assistant. Users can leverage Alexa skills to perform supported actions, like playing music, setting alarms, checking the weather, or controlling lights and thermostats, through voice commands. The smart speaker has a built-in Zigbee hub for connecting to smart devices based on the protocol. A camera shutter and a microphone/camera off button are provided for addressing privacy concerns. Amazon’s Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is priced at $249.99 and will be available in the near future. It will surely be one of the best smart speakers for 2021 at the high-end. Buyers on a limited budget may consider the smaller Echo Show 5 or Echo Show 8 smart speakers with displays.
#8. Google Nest Hub Max
Need a smart speaker with a display? Then Google Nest Hub Max will be the apt choice on the list of the best smart speakers for 2021. Its main highlight is the 10-inch touchscreen display that extends its functionality. Users can interact with the smart speaker, make video calls, watch videos, movies, or a live feed from a smart camera, and even browse the Internet through it. The sound quality is pretty good, thanks to the two 18mm 10W tweeters and a 75mm 30W subwoofer under the hood. An integrated 6.5-megapixel camera with 127° FoV (Field of View) expands the smart speaker’s utility.
Being a Google device, Nest Hub Max comes with built-in Google Assistant support. There are far-field microphones present for improved voice recognition. A privacy switch is provided for disconnecting its camera and microphones. Google Nest Hub Max is priced on the higher side, costing $229. But it is a worthy consideration among the best smart speakers for 2021 if you find its features useful. A smaller and cheaper Nest Hub is also available for $89.99.
